What Is a Local Church?
By A local church is a group of Christians who regularly gather in Christ’s name to officially affirm and oversee one another’s membership in Jesus Christ and his kingdom through gospel preaching and gospel ordinances. That's a bit clunky, I know, but notice the five parts of this definition:
- a group of Christians;
- a regular gathering;
- a congregation-wide exercise of affirmation and oversight;
- the purpose of officially representing Christ and his rule on earth—they gather in his name;
- the use of preaching and ordinances for these purposes.
Just as a pastor’s pronouncement transforms a man and a woman into a married couple, so the latter four bullet points transform an ordinary group of Christians spending time together at the park—presto!—into a local church.
The gathering is important for a number of reasons. One is that it’s where we Christians “go public” to declare our highest allegiance. It’s the outpost or embassy, giving a public face to our future nation. And it’s where we bow before our king, only we call it worship. The Pharaohs of the world may oppose us, but God draws his people out of the nations to worship him. He will form his mighty congregation.
The gathering is also where our king enacts his rule through preaching, the ordinances, and discipline. The gospel sermon explains the “law” of our nation. It declares the name of our king and explains the sacrifice he made to become our king. It teaches us of his ways and confronts us in our disobedience. And it assures us of his imminent return.
Through baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the church waves the flag and dons the army uniform of our nation. It makes us visible. To be baptized is to identify ourselves with the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as to identify our union with Christ’s death and resurrection (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5). To receive the Lord’s Supper is to proclaim his death and our membership in his body (1 Cor. 11:26-29; cf. Matt. 26:26-29). God wants his people to be known and marked off. He wants a line between the church and the world.
What is the local church? It’s the institution which Jesus created and authorized to pronounce the gospel of the kingdom, to affirm gospel professors, to oversee their discipleship, and to expose impostors. All this means, we don’t “join” churches like we join clubs. We submit to them.
Next post: What Is Church Membership?
This article is excerpted from Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus (Crossway).
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"What is the local church? It’s the institution which Jesus created and authorized to pronounce the gospel of the kingdom, to affirm gospel professors, to oversee their discipleship, and to expose impostors. All this means, we don’t “join” churches like we join clubs. We submit to them."
You say that the local church represents and affirms the gospel. Then I am a bit confused why a pastor at Capitol Hill Church would marry to unbelivers to each other. What is he pronouncing when he does that?
EAJ
EAJ, it is the role of the local church to represent and affirm the gospel. That doesn't mean that churches do it the way they should. Unfortunately, Jesus had issues with many churches in Revelation, and I'm sure He has things against churches today. I believe many churches have fallen away from what they're supposed to do. We have some such as Westboro Baptist Church that bring absolute shame to the cross of Christ and shouldn't even be allowed to use the word Church in their name.
Thank you for your response and I hold the truth of it's wisdom in my heart. However I am not speaking about "other churches" but your own. Deepak Reju's, one of your pastors posted an article on the Gospel Coalition that he is willing to marry unblievers one to another in your church there - at Capitol Hill Baptist. Which doesn't seem consistent with what you are saying. So I am confused. But then maybe I have this wrong in which case I appologize.
I would leave the decision to marry unbelievers in the hands of the local pastor. Do not be too rigid in your understanding of this. Because of the fact that marriage was given as an institution to Adam and Eve, it is an institution for the Human Race, not only for God fearing people. As such I think that according to a local pastors wisdom of the particular situation, they could bless a marriage between unbelievers.
Baptism or the Lords supper, in contrast, is a Christian institution and is limited to believers. You may disagree with what I said, but do not assume that it would only be a fear of man or necessarily disobedience for a pastor marry unbelievers.
Another role of the the church, along with gathering, is to encourage and lift each other up. The world throws a lot our way in the form of hate. We can't do it alone. We need each other.
Jonathan
I realize it takes a lot of time and effort to write a book...
But - I can’t seem to find - much of what you write in this article - in the Bible. :-(
A lot of what you write sounds nice - But - Jesus warned us about “Traditions” in Mark 7:13
KJV - Making the word of God of “none effect” through your tradition...
ASV - Making “void” the word of God by your tradition...
NIV - Thus you “nullify” the word of God by your tradition...
1 - You write - a definition for “A Local Church” - But do NOT relate it to any Bible verses.
And “Local Church” is NOT found in the Bible. Is that a “Tradition” that nullifies the word of God?
2 - You write - “a pastor’s pronouncement transforms a man and a woman into a married couple”
And that’s NOT in the Bible? Can anyone find, in the Bible, anyone being married by a Pastor?
3 - You write - “the latter four bullet points transform an ordinary group of Christians spending time together at the park—presto!—into a local church.”
And that’s NOT in the Bible. NO “presto.” NO magic.
Isn’t it “Faith in Jesus,” His Blood, and we “become” “The Church of God?” The Body of Christ?
Jesus - He is the head of the body, the church. Seems, Christians, by default, “Are” “the Church of God.” Yes?
4 - You write - “The gathering is important for a number of reasons. One is that it’s where we Christians “go public” to declare our highest allegiance.”
Is any of this in the Bible? Maybe I missed it? Isn’t loving one another how we “go public?” John 13:34-35.
And declare our highest allegiance? Love is the fulfilling of the Law.
5 - You write - “What is the local church? It’s the institution...”
NOPE - That’s NOT in the Bible. NO institution. That’s man’s idea. Man’s “Tradition.”
Did Jesus shed His Blood for - an Institution - an Organization - a Denomination - a Corporation?
Or did He shed His Blood for - you and me - His Body - His Ekklesia - His Bride - His Church - People?
The Church of God in the Bible refers to God’s People - NOT an “Institution.” AAAARRRRGGGHHH!!! ;-)
6 - You write - “It’s the institution... Jesus created and authorized to pronounce the gospel of the kingdom,”
Didn’t Jesus tell “His Disciples” to “go into all the world?” Heal the sick? Preach the Kingdom of God?
Luke 9:2 And he sent them (His Disciples) to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Jesus never created, or authorized, a... 501 (c) 3, non-profit, tax $ deductible, Religious $ Corporation
“to pronounce the gospel of the kingdom.”
My Brain Hurts... ;-)
“It’s the institution... to affirm gospel professors, “ NOPE - NOT in the Bible. Professors??? Oy Vey!!! ;-)
“It’s the institution... to oversee their discipleship,” NOPE - NOT in the Bible. Is “Discipleship” in the Bible?
With thousands of Denominations “Overseeing” discipleship. They ALL make “disciples” after themselves.
Just look at the mess we’re in today. Is anyone making “Disciples of Christ?” Learners, pupils of Jesus?
Jesus loves me this I know... Because...
Amos,
Thanks for your desire to see all this in the Scripture. What you see in this post comes toward the end of a chapter summing up two chapters of biblical arguments. So it's a summary statement. It's not the biblical argument itself. It follows two chapters worth of biblical arguments. Incidentally, the biblical texts I'm relying upon are Matthew 16:13-20, 18:15-20, 28:18-20, multiple texts in Acts, 1 Cor. 5 (esp. 3-4, 11). I hope this is helpful. Blessings.
For a simple definition, how about:
A local church is where the Covenant of Grace is administered to members of that covenant within a specific geographical location.
"Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus"
And all along I thought the world would know we represent Christ in how we live our life and how we love one another (John 13:35) how we keep His commandments (1 John 2:3-11, Romans 13:8-10 SANS formal church membership), having qualities of spiritual maturity, i.e.: virtue, knowledge, faith, self control (2 Peter 1:9-10). I had no idea that the world would know we rep Christ by way of formal church membership
Bret, You're absolutely correct to say that we represent Christ in those ways (e.g. John 13:35). The question is, is there an authority on planet earth who formally recognizes who is a kingdom citizen (Jesus Representative) or not? I would argue that that is exactly what Jesus gives Peter (Matt. 16) and then the local church (Matt. 18) the authority to do through the keys of the kingdom, which bind on earth what's bound in heaven and loose on earth what's loosed in heaven. In context, you see that he's setting aside ethnic Israel as his representatives on earth and now building a church to be his representatives. And just as ethnic Israel had its boundary markers (circumcision, Sabbath, food laws, etc.), so the church has its boundary markers (baptism, the Lord's Supper). In other words, he replaces one institutional authority with another for the purposes of formal recognition. Then, yes, within this marked off society of people, the world watches something different--a people who really love one another, and keep his commandments, and have all the qualities of spiritual maturity. In short, you are talking about the daily relationship of husband and wife. I'm talking about the marriage vows themselves. You're talking about the flesh. I'm talking about the bones. You need both, right? I hope this is helpful. Blessings.
Thanks for the reply Jonathon. I may be too dumb to understand your comment or I've just snagged a big red herring. :)
The question is not "is there an authority on planet earth who formally recognizes who is a kingdom citizen". The question I am asking is: how does the world recognize me as a Christian? The title of your book implies that it recognizes me by way of formal church membership. I say nonsense.
When I serve in the "world" by way of minstries in my community, nobody, not one, has said...oh thats Bret, he does that because he's a member of XYZ church. As opposed to, oh thats Bret, the Christian dude. No one has ever asked, hey, why do you roll with that guy or this group, is it because youre a member at so and so church? No, they see love of the brother from our actions, from the fruits of the spirit. They see pure and undefiled religion when we look after the orphans and widows and by God's grace keep ourselves unstained, not by signing a piece of paper. The world has little notion of what church membership even is, how could they recognize us as Christ followers via formal memership? Manyy folks within the church dont even kknow who is a member and who is not....how do you expect the world to know?
I agree we are a marked off society, but that does not come by way of signing a formal membership- not even close....when has the world ever asked you if youre a formal member of your church? They ask me where I attend church, whats the preacher like, what ministries are there. But I've never ever been asked where my formal membership lies. Maybe you run in different circles than me.
May we have discernment.
Grace and Peace
It's not just "signing a paper" that is involved in membership. It is your joining as a "member" of the body of Christ in a local expression. Whether you sign a paper, take a vow or do an interpretive dance, the issue is being together under spiritual authority, exercising spiritual gifts in unity with a community a la Acts2. The fact that there is a clear "in" and "out" of the local churches in the NT shows that people know who is a part of it. The fact that excommunication even exists in the NT church shows again the membership roll.
Jonathan
I think when you say church and I say “Church” - It just ain’t the same thing. ;-)
You think - Institution... I think - People... God’s people...
Here’s one explanation for my thinking today about the word “Church.”
When someone asks - Hey Amos - Where do you “Go To Church?”
I often reply with - I can’t “Go To” some place that - I am... Some place that - we ARE...
Mostly I get a quizzical look. Then I continue...
You might NOT realize it - but - You Just asked me - Where does Amos “Go To” Amos?
More strange looks - And you can see the gears in their brain grinding to a halt. - Huh???
I continue... In the Bible - Believers did NOT - “go to church.” - Or tell anyone - “go to church.” NOT once.
Believers did NOT - join a church, give money to a church, apply for membership in a church.
In the Bible - They became The Church of God. The body of Christ. In the Bible, believers, ARE - His Church.
His habitation. His body. His called out ones. Where God lives, and moves, and has His being.
God NO longer dwells in temples made with the hands of man. He wants to live in you.
The Kingdom of God comes NOT with observation - The Kingdom of God is within.
Haven’t you ever wondered why... NOT one of His Disciples, had the “Title/Position” - “Pastor/Leader?”
How many, still in the world, still dead in their tresspasses and sins, will know that “Church,” in the Bible, refers to us, you and me, believers, God’s kids, Kings and Priests, Brides, Servants, Sons of God, Ambassordors of Christ, Disciples of Jesus? And they, the unbeliever, can become the Ekklesia of God? A son, “Hearing His Voice?”
One reason they don’t know is because of the way - we - Believers - mis-use the word “Church.”
It seems we have deceived the very people we are trying to reach out to.
The world has NO idea what “Church” actually means. Neither do most believers.
Go ahead - ask some folks to describe the word “church.” See what you get. ;-)
Jesus - He is the head of the body, (the ekklesia, the called out ones.) The Church.
The Church of God, The Ekklesia of God, the called out ones of God, in the Bible are...
Kings and Preist’s unto God.
The Bride of Christ.
Servants of Christ.
Sons of God.
Disciples of Christ.
Ambassadors of Christ.
Instead of asking people - What Is a Local Church? - Why not ask them to “become the Church?”
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall “hear My voice; “
and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold - One Shepherd - One Voice - One Leader
{{{{{{ Jesus }}}}}}
I will say shortly that you are fighting a straw man Jonathan. None of what he said contradicts anything you wrote, except in the errors you made.
quickly 2 of them:
1." In the Bible, believers, ARE - His Church." Well that depends. His church is corporate believers, universally and locally. A lone Christian is not His church. He is not returning for individuals but a united corporate bride.
2. "NOT one of His Disciples, had the “Title/Position” - “Pastor/Leader" It is true that we WAY overemphasize the term "pastor" in the modern church. But there were very clearly appointed leaders whom the people recognized. It is God's design all the way from Adam through Moses and now the Church age. What was the "council of elders" for example in Acts 22:5
"The gathering is also where our king enacts his rule through preaching, the ordinances, and discipline."
Wrong. Here's what the gathering of believers should look like .....
..... When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1Cor. 14:26
No mention of rule, ordinances, discipline, and participation by believers as led by the Holy Spirit.
Thanks, Victorious. You might want to also check out 1 Corinthians 5 an 11, where the gathering is also explicitly in view. And I think Paul has in mind the authority which Christ in the keys of the kingdom in Matthew 16 and 18 and 28. Blessings, Jonathan
Jonathan,
I don't need to tell you that the Corinthian assembly was fraught with problems that needed correcting. As they were reported to Paul, he writes in an effort to emphasize love, respect and "one-anothering" as opposed to the legalism brought in by the Judaizers and false teachers. The culmination of his corrections is chapter 13 and 14 where their assemblies reflect these virtues.
Jesus' relationship with His people is one of agape love, serving, self-sacrifice, and shepherding. His focus was on liberty not bondage to rules and regulations.
Order....yes. The order in 1 Cor. 14 where each believer shares a teaching, revelation, song, etc. in an orderly fashion. Its participation by all for the edification of all.
I'm certain we will disagree as most churches and those employed therein have an investment to protect.
Blessings to you in your efforts to serve.
your comment is vile and venomous in the Lord's eyes. You accuse this writer of greed to protect his job. do you know that? do you have witnesses? would you like to make a formal accusation or only spit venom?
Jonathan,
Have you written about the primary differences between your two new books, "Church Membership" & "Church Discipline", and your former book, "The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love: Reintroducing the Doctrines of Church Membership and Discipline"? If not, I'd love to know about the similarities and differences between these works.
Thanks for sharing your insights into God's Word!
Warmly,
Elizabeth
This book is really helpful. By God's grace i was convinced that Church membership is biblical. Looking forward to read church discipline in next trimester of our internship.
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